How to Fix the "Host is blocked" Error When Connecting to MySQL?

The error ERROR 1129 (HY000): Host 'host_name' is blocked because of many connection errors occurs when your MySQL server registers too many interrupted or failed connection attempts from your client’s IP address within a short timeframe. This limit is controlled by the max_connect_errors system variable, which defaults to 100. The issue commonly arises due to:

• Network instability causing frequent dropped or failed TCP connections.
• Repeated connection attempts with incorrect credentials.
• Interrupted connections from query timeouts or long-running queries.
• Aggressive retry logic without proper backoff delays in client applications or scripts.

To resolve this:

• Ensure your client network is stable to prevent connection interruptions.

• Confirm you are using the correct connection credentials (username, password, hostname, port, database) from the Vultr Customer Portal, API, or CLI.

• If your application uses retry logic, implement appropriate backoff delays to avoid rapid consecutive connection attempts.

• If your host is blocked due to exceeding the max_connect_errors limit and you have sufficient privileges, you can clear the block by connecting to your MySQL cluster and running:

  sql Copy

  mysql> FLUSH HOSTS;
  

  Explain Code

  This command resets the internal host cache and removes the block caused by too many connection errors.

  Note

  Executing FLUSH HOSTS; requires the RELOAD privilege. Modifying the max_connect_errors system variable directly requires SUPER or SYSTEM_VARIABLES_ADMIN privileges, which are restricted in Vultr’s Managed Database environment, contact Vultr Support for assistance with issues requiring administrative actions.